7th Anniversary Mega Carnival
A trip organised by Penang 4x4 Adventure Club - 7th Anniversary Mega Carnival
Surat Thani - Ranong - Nakhon Si Thammarat (22nd - 26th December 2005)
Surat Thani is southern Thailand’s largest province, covering almost 13,000sq.km. Though the name of this coastal province in the South means “city of the good”, Surat Thani has earned the title – the city of 100 island – thanks to the many surrounding islands, notably Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, Mu Ko Angthong and Ko Tao. Today, the province is crowded with hundreds of visitors. Salted eggs the most famous product and Khanom Jang are traditional sweets of Chaiya district.
Historical City of the South
Nakhon Si Thammarat, the second largest city of the greatest history and background above any other town in the region due to its status as a first grade city controlling various subjected cities and towns. A place that houses Lord Buddha’s relics which is the most important statutory place of the south, being the center of Buddhism during Sivichaya period. Nakhon Si Thammarat is outstanding in terms of tourism for its combination of culture and nature. Khao Luang and old temples are the most famous attractions in this province, which is honored as the historical city of the South. Tourist can no longer bypass this city in their search for tourism adventure.
The City of Rain
The first Southern province bordering the Indian Ocean is Ranong, located 568km from Bangkok and about 300km. north of Phuket. It is bordered to the west by the Andaman Sea, to the north by Myanmar, to the east of Chumphon and to the south by Surat Thani. Ranong is the wettest province in Thailand, with over 4,000mm. of rain per year, and also the country’s least populous province. As it has a long rainy period, which lasts for around 8 months each year, (8 months rain and 4 months sunshine) it is best visited between December and April. It’s compact area includes many natural wonders such as hot springs, waterfalls, white sandy beaches and offshore islands. In the northeast of the province, the Kra Isthmus signals the narrowest point of the peninsula, where just 44km. separate the Andaman Sea from the Gulf of Thailand.
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS
Grass Mountain is covered only by green grass. Situated just 13km from Highway 4, the mountain are a great observation point.
Located within Sight of Highway No. 4, about 12km south of Ranong, this waterfall tumbles down from a great height, and is particularly impressive during the wet season.
Ranong Hot Springs – Raksawarin Park
Three hot spring spring water sites, good for drinking and bathing, are located in this park, which lies 2km off Muang Ranong on Highway 4005. Close to one of the hot spring is a small zoo situated on a hill. Pearl and shell products are sold at souvenir shops at the Park.
Ranong has long been popular among Thais as a jumping off point for a glimpse into Myanmar at Victoria Point, known as Kawthaung to the Burmese and Ko Song to the Thais. Victoria Point on the Thai-Mynmar border, is accessible by long-tailed boats from the Thai coast and is a shopping venue. Only those with entry passes, available at Victoria Point’s immigration check-point, are allowed. Among the many shops in Victoria Point are some selling intricately made baskets, lacquer ware and germs.
The narrowest part of the Kingdom of Thailand, is only 44km wide. A small monument just off Highway No.4 marks the spot where the peninsula’s waist measures a slender 44km. while 22km. separate the Gulf of Thailand from Kra Buri River, which flows south into the Andaman, and forms the border between Thailand and Myanmar.
Namtok Punyaban (Punyaban Waterfall)
A 20-metre high waterfall, is 15km ahead Muang district Ranong. A perfect stop for those heading further South. Pearl and shell products are sold at souvenir shops close to the waterfall.